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Banyana set for a World Cup reality check

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Banyana Banyana will face Norway today in their final pre-World Cup warm-up match before they take their first kick on the global stage against Spain on Saturday.

South Africa are drawn in a pool that has two-time champions Germany as well as 1999 runners-up China.

In all fairness, coach Desiree Ellis has been afforded the best preparation programme she could have asked for in the build-up to the team’s debut in France.

However, the major concern is that Banyana are without a win – five loses and three draws – in eight competitive games this year.

In her reaction to the 3-0 defeat to the US a fortnight ago, even Ellis alluded to the fact that her charges have “got to go into the World Cup with a win”.

It will therefore be a requirement for Banyana to put one over on Norway tonight. The game kicks off at 8pm in the northern French city of Amiens.

“Heading to the World Cup, it always helps to win a game [because] it gives you a little bit of confidence,” said Ellis.

She added that some of their previous games were “winnable”, notably the 1-1 draw in a friendly match against fellow World Cup debutants Jamaica in Durban last month.

Banyana Banyana go through their last phase of preparations ahead of their debut at the World Cup, which gets under way in France on Friday. South Africa will face Spain in their opening game on Saturday. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu / BackpagePix

In Group B, Banyana are up against three sides that have pretty much made constant appearances at the global championships. This year’s version runs from June 7 to July 7.

South Africa can rely on their experience at major international tournaments, having been part of the past two Olympics in 2012 and 2016.

In fact, 11 out of 23 of their World Cup squad members possess Olympic experience, with six of them having featured in both Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and London, UK.

That list contains the likes of captain Janine van Wyk, Refiloe Jane, Nothando Vilakazi and Leandra Smeda.

The new generation of Thembi Kgatlana and Linda Motlhalo has added new energy the team.

Although Banyana finished without a win at the Rio and London games, they can still reflect and draw some inspiration by recalling some of their memorable encounters on the Olympic stage.

Three years ago, they held Brazil to a goalless draw, as they did with Japan in 2012.

It will be the second time that South Africa faces China since the Asians defeated Banyana 2-0 in Rio.

Spain – who won the Cyprus Cup last year, while South Africa finished 10th out of 12 competitors – are not to be underestimated given their perfect World Cup qualifying campaign, where they won all of their eight matches. In fact, La Roja were the first to earn a ticket to France.

After their game tonight, Banyana will move to Le Havre to get ready for Spain.


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